20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. ~ Colossians 2:20-23
Paul writes to the people of Colossae not to fall into the trap of self-made religion that has an appearance of wisdom, but they don’t actually build the spirit-man in order to stop the indulgence of the flesh. Just because you are able to stop eating a certain food doesn’t mean you can overcome the flesh in your own power. I’ve seen many different people convince themselves that if they give up a certain food, especially pork, they’ll be good with God at the end of the day. They’ll somehow be better off than others.
I know someone personally who hasn’t eaten pork in a decade and thinks that will help him when he stands before God. He’s able to restrict himself in this one way but in nothing else. He gives in to his alcoholism, gambling, rage, and allows any and everything to fly out of his mouth, especially when he is angry. He’ll use the name of the LORD as profanity and His essence to curse, and not even bat an eye; but because he doesn’t eat pork, he thinks he is somehow more justified with God than a Christian who does eat pork.
Here’s the problem: he has no relationship with the LORD. It sounds good because he’ll point out that he’s keeping the Law, yet there is no other Law that he keeps. Not the Sabbath, the feasts, or even the other dietary laws. Nothing. Here’s the thing: we can’t redeem, fix, or change ourselves based solely on not doing something in the physical without Christ. Not eating pork isn’t going to get you brownie points with God. Afflicting your flesh without Christ is useless. There is nothing you can do to achieve Salvation. Nothing you can give or change to earn it. Salvation is a free gift from God given to those who have faith. That is the only way to the Father: faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Sacrifice The Flesh Through Christ.